Golf putter with direction indicator

ABSTRACT

A golf putter having a direction indicator located rearwardly of the club head in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging face of the club head thereby serving as a pointer or indicator which can be aligned with the hole so that the ball can be more accurately putted toward the hole. The indicator is constructed in a manner that it can fold or collapse into a position in relation to the club head and club shaft to permit or allow the putter to be stored easily in a golf bag and conform with the requirements of certain regulating agencies relating to golf equipment which control the equipment which can be used in tournament play and the like.

United States Patent [1 1 Beck et al.

[4 Nov. 4, 1975 GOLF PUTTER WITH DIRECTION INDICATOR [22] Filed: Sept. 24, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 508,762

[52] US. Cl. 273/163 R; 273/77 R [51] Int. Cl. A63B 53/04 [58] Field of Search 273/77 R, 162 R, 163 R,

273/164, 167-175, 183 D, 186 R, 186 A, 193 R, 194 R, 194 A 3,810,633 5/1974 Scott 273/183 D D182,485 4/1958 Sprinkel 273/164 X D218,108 7/1970 Wegener 273/164 UX FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 10,863 5/1905 United Kingdom 273/163 R Primary Examiner-Richard J. Apley Attorney, Agent, or FirmClarence A. OBrien; Harvey B. Jacobson [57] ABSTRACT A golf putter having a direction indicator located rearwardly of the club head in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging face of the club head thereby serving as a pointer or indicator which can be aligned with the hole so that the ball can be more accurately putted toward the hole. The indicator is constructed in a manner that it can fold or collapse into a position in relation to the club head and club shaft to permit or allow the putter to be stored easily in a golf bag and conform with the requirements of certain regulating agencies relating to golf equipment which control the equipment which can be used in tournament play and the like.

6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Fig.4

/40 Fig-2 GOLF PUTTER WITH DIRECTION INDICATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION the face thereof opposite to the ball engaging face to enable proper alignment and positioning of the ball engaging face of the putter with respect to the ball and the cup and to provide more accurate control of the movement of the putter when putting the ball toward the hole.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various prior patents have been granted directed to the basic concept of providing an indicator or pointer on a golf putter. The following patents are related to this field of endeavor.

1,173,384 Feb. 2,1916 Des. 182,485 April 8, 1958 3,190,525 Aug. 3, 1965 3,273,892 Sept. 20, 1966 3,273,893 Sept. 20, 1966 3,292,928 Dec. 20, 1966 3,298,693 Jan. 17, 1967 3,529,830 Sept. 22, 1970 3,667,761 June 6, 1972 3,698,093 Oct. 17, 1972 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a golf putter with direction indicator in which the indicator is in the form of an elongated member flexibly connected to the rear face of the golf putter to indicate to the golfer the proper positioning and movement of the putter with the flexible construction enabling the indicator to be collapsed or folded into a compact position to facilitate the putter being stored in a conventional golf bag in a conventional manner. A

A further object of the invention is to provide a golf putter with indicator in which the indicator includes as a portion of its construction a flexible coil spring having one end connected to the putter and the other end connected to a rod-like structure to normally support the rod-like structure in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging face of the putter, but enabling the major portion of the indicator to be positioned in folded or collapsed condition so that the putter may be stored in a golf bag.

A further object of the invention is to provide a golf putter with indicator in accordance with the preceding objects in which the complete structure of the pointer is in the form of a coil spring normally oriented in perpendicular relation .to the ball engaging face but being folded or collapsed into a compact condition for storage of the putter in a golf bag.

Still another important object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter with indicator together with means on the upper surface of the golf putter head to indicate the central portion of the head together with novel means associated with the putter to indicate proper positioning of the ball engaging face of the putter in relation to the ball and hole and further indicate to the golfer the direction of movement of the putter when putting with the entire device being relatively simple in construction and capable of being incorporated into golf putters with little additional expense.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa golf putter with indicator incorporated therein illustrating the manner of use thereof.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the construction of FIG. 1 with the putter shaft broken away.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the putter with the pointer associated therewith.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view, taken on an enlarged scale along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3 illustrating the specific structural details of mounting the indicator on the golf putter.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a modified form of the invention in which the indicator is in the form of a coil spring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now specifically to the drawings, the golf putter is generally designated by numeral 10 with the indicator generally being designated by numeral 12 for use in propelling a golf ball 14 more accurately along the putting surface or green 16 toward the cup 18 with the preferred path. of movement being designated by numeral 20. The structure of the putter 10 includes a club head 22 of generally rectangular elongated configuration and provided with substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces 24 and 26 and substantially parallel front or ball engaging surface 28 and rear surface 30 with the surfaces 28 and 30 being parallel to each other but perpendicular to the surfaces 24 and 26. The end edges of the club head 22 are inclined as at 32 in the same angular relation at each end with the upper surface 24 being substantially longer than the lower surface 26 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Connected to the center of the top surface of the club head is a shaft 34 having a hand grip 36 on the upper end thereof with the shaft 34 being disposed slightly offset toward one end of the 'golf club head 22 and being angularly oriented with the acute angle being included between the shaft 34 and the top surface of the club head 22 to which the shaft 34 is offset with this orientation illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The club head 22 is rigidly connected to the shaft 34 in any suitable manner with the shaft 34 being received in a socket in the club head 22 and rigidly fixed thereto in a conventional and well known manner. As illustrated, the top surface 24 of the club head 22 includes a central dull surface area 38 and two shiny or polished surface areas 40 which are oriented toward the outer ends of the club head 22. Also, the ball engaging face 28 of the club head may be dull and the rear face 30 may also be dull. The length of the top dull area 38 is substantially equal to the diameter of the golf ball 14 and indicates the portion of the club engaging face 28 which is preferred to be brought into contact with the ball during the putting operation. The entire club head may be constructed of aluminum or other metal materal with the bright surfaces 40 being polished aluminum or bright chrome,

3 while the dull surfaces may be dull chrome or dull aluminum surface areas.

The indicator 12 is in the form of an elongated rod 42 having a reduced inner end portion 44 which is telescoped into and secured within the convolutions of a coiled spring 46 having an external diameter generally equal to the diameter of the rod 42. The inner end of the spring 46 is telescoped over a stub-like projection 48 which is the same size as the reduced end 44 and spaced therefrom and in alignment therewith. The stub or projection 48 is received in a socket 50 and is secured therein in any suitable manner such as by a press fit or the like, so that the stub 48 is rigid with the club head 22 and is disposed in perpendicular relation to the rear face 30 and in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging face 28 of the club head. The portion of the rear face 30 of the club head which receives the stub 48 is recessed as at 52 for receiving the innermost cnvo lutions of the spring 46 in a manner to securely anchor the spring 46 to the club head 22. The telescopic engagement of the spring with the reduced end 44, stub 48 and the inner surface of the counter bore or socket 52 is sufficient to retain the components assembled but if desired, various bonding means may be provided for anchoring these components in permanently connected condition. I

The spring 46 enables the indicator 12 to be pivoted or folded into a position along side of the shaft 34 which enables the putter to be stored in a conventional golf bag in a conventional manner. The construction of the spring 46 is such that the rod 42 is normally maintained in perpendicular relation to the faces 28 and 30 of the golf club head as well as generally parallel to the surfaces 24 and 26 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. illustrates a modified form of the invention in which the indicator is generally designated by numeral 12 and is in the form of a continuous coil spring54 which is equal in length to the aggregate length of the rod 42 and spring 46 in FIGS. 1-4 and which may be secured to the club head in the same manner as illustrated specifically in FIG. 4. This spring 54 is capable of being folded to or collapsed to a position along side of the shaft 34, thereby enabling the putter illustrated in FIG. 5 to be stored in a conventional golf bag or the like.

The dull surface 38 has a length approximately equal to the diameter of a ball for use as a guide in striking the ball in the center of the ball engaging face. The overall length of the club head is preferably 6 inches with the width being one-half inch and the depth or height one inch with it being pointed out that these dimensions may vary to some extent. The incline surface 32 is preferably at 45 to the horizontal surface 24 and the club shaft 34 is perferably from a vertical plane passing through the center of the club. The overall length of the indicator 12 or 12 including the width of the blade is preferably 5 /8 inches with the diameter thereof being. preferably five-sixteenth of an inch. In the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the exposed length of the rod 42 is preferably 3% inches, the overall length of the spring 46 is 1% inches, and the stud 48 is five-eighth inches in length with the diameter of the stud 48 and the reduced end portion 44 being preferably one-fourth inch. In each form of the invention, the indicator will be oriented perpendicular to the ball engaging face of the club head so that the indicator 12 can be aligned with the pathof movement 20 of the golf ball 14 which is desired so thatthe ball will roll into the 4 cup 18 thereby facilitating movement of the club head in a pathso that the ball engaging face will be perpendicular to the line of movement 20 with the indicator 12 being oriented along the line of movement 20 during the path of movement of the club head. Thus, with this arrangement, the ball may be more effectively putted and when the putter is not being used, the indicator 12 or 12 may be quickly and easily folded-or collapsed to a position along side of the club shaft 34 to enable the club shaft 34 and the free end of the indicator 12 or 12' to be inserted into a putter accompanying recess or tube in a conventional golf bag thereby facilitating storage of the putter in a conventional manner and en-.

abling the putter to be sanctioned by or approved by various organizations which provide regulations or standards for golf clubs to be used in tournament or match play.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A golf putter comprising a club head including .a body of generally rectangular configuration and including substantially planar and parallel front and rear surfaces and substantially planar and paralleltop and bottom surfaces oriented perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces, a shaft extending upwardly from the top surface of the body and rigidly affixed to the body in inclined relation to the top surface, and an indicator extending rearwardly from the rear surface in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging front surface and the rear surface in alignment with the center of such surfaces to facilitate alignment of the head with a path of movement of a golf ball when putted toward a hole with the indicator being movable along such a path for enabling more accurate control of the golf club head when putting, said indicator including a flexible member enabling folding of the indicator to a position alongside of the shaft, said indicator being in the form of a cylindrical coil spring having one end anchored to the club head and the other end normally disposed re mote from the rear face of the club head and extending in perpendicular relation thereto with the coil spring being foldable to a shaft. I

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the top surface of the club head includes a dull central area and two shiny outer end portions with the length of the central area being substantially equal to the diameter of a.

golf ball to facilitate alignment of the center portion of the golf club head with the center of a golf ball to be struck by the club head, said indicator being aligned with the center ofthe dull portion of the top surface of the golf club head to provide increased weight at the center of the golf club head to facilitate accurate movement of the golf club head when putting.

3. A golf putter comprising a club head including a body of generally rectangular configuration and includ-, ing substantially. planar and parallel front and rear surfaces and substantially planar and parallel top and bottorn surfaces oriented perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces, a shaft extending upwardly from the top surface of the body and rigidly affixed to the body in position generally alongside of the inclined relation to the top surface, and an indicator extending rearwardly from the rear surface in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging front surface and the rear surface in alignment with the center of such surfaces to facilitate alignment of the head with a path of movement of a golf ball when putted toward a hole with the indicator being movable along such a path for enabling more accurate control of the golf club head when putting, said indicator including a flexible member enabling folding of the indicator to a position alongside of the shaft, said indicator including a coil spring segment and a rigid rod segment connected to one end of the coil spring segment with the other end of the coil spring segment being connected perpendicularly to the rear face of the club head and resiliently retaining the rod segment in perpendicular relation to the club head but enabling it to be folded to a position alongside of the shaft.

4. A golf putter comprising a club head including a body of generally rectangular configuration and including substantially planar and parallel front and rear surfaces and substantially planar and parallel top and bottom surfaces oriented perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces, a shaft extending upwardly from the top surface of the body rigidly affixed to the body in inclined relation to the top surface, and an indicator extending rearwardly from the rear surface in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging front surface and the rear surface in alignment with the center of such surfaces to facilitate alignment of the head with a path of movement of a golf ball when putted toward a hole with the indicator being movable along such a path for enabling more accurate control of the golf club head when putting, said indicator including a flexible member enabling folding of the indicator to a position alongside of the shaft, said indicator including a coil spring forming at least a portion of the indicator with the inner end of the coil spring being telescoped over and secured to a stud rigid with the rear face of the club head, said club head having a recess surrounding the stud telescopically receiving the outer periphery of the innermost convolutions of the spring.

5. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein the entire length of the indicator is in the form of a coil spring.

6. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein the innermost segment of the indicator is in the form of a coil spring and the outermost segment of the indicator is in the form of a rigid rod having a reduced end portion telescoped into and rigidly secured to the end of the coil spring remote from the club head. 

1. A golf putter comprising a club head including a body of generally rectangular configuration and including substantially planar and parallel front and rear surfaces and substantially planar and parallel top and bottom surfaces oriented perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces, a shaft extending upwardly from the top surface of the body and rigidly affixed to the body in inclined relation to the top surface, and an indicator extending rearwardly from the rear surface in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging front surface and the rear surface in alignment with the center of such surfaces to facilitate alignment of the head with a path of movement of a golf ball when putted toward a hole with the indicator being movable along such a path for enabling more accurate control of the golf club head when putting, said indicator including a flexible member enabling folding of the indicator to a position alongside of the shaft, said indicator being in the form of a cylindrical coil spring having one end anchored to the club head and the other end normally disposed remote from the rear face of the club head and extending in perpendicular relation thereto with the coil spring being foldable to a position generally alongside of the shaft.
 2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the top surface of the club head includes a dull central area and two shiny outer end portions with the length of the central area being substantially equal to the diameter of a golf ball to facilitate alignment of the center portion of the golf club head with the center of a golf ball to be struck by the club head, said indicator being aligned with the center of the dull portion of the top surface of the golf club head to provide increased weight at the center of the golf club head to facilitate accurate movement of the golf club head when putting.
 3. A golf putter comprising a club head including a body of generally rectangular configuration and including substantially planar and parallel front and rear surfaces and substantially planar and parallel top and bottom surfaces oriented perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces, a shaft extending upwardly from the top surface of the body and rigidly affixed to the body in inclined relation to the top surface, and an indicator extending rearwardly from the rear surface in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging front surface and the rear surface in alignment with the center of such surfaces to facilitate alignment of the head with a path of movement of a golf ball when putted toward a hole with the indicator being movable along such a path for enabling more accurate control of the golf club head when putting, said indicator including a flexible member enabling folding of the indicator to a position alongside of the shaft, said indicator including a coil spring segment and a rigid rod segment connected to one end of the coil spring segment with the other end of the coil spring segment being connected perpendicularly to the rear face of the club head and resiliently retaining the rod segment in perpendicular relation to the club head but enablIng it to be folded to a position alongside of the shaft.
 4. A golf putter comprising a club head including a body of generally rectangular configuration and including substantially planar and parallel front and rear surfaces and substantially planar and parallel top and bottom surfaces oriented perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces, a shaft extending upwardly from the top surface of the body rigidly affixed to the body in inclined relation to the top surface, and an indicator extending rearwardly from the rear surface in perpendicular relation to the ball engaging front surface and the rear surface in alignment with the center of such surfaces to facilitate alignment of the head with a path of movement of a golf ball when putted toward a hole with the indicator being movable along such a path for enabling more accurate control of the golf club head when putting, said indicator including a flexible member enabling folding of the indicator to a position alongside of the shaft, said indicator including a coil spring forming at least a portion of the indicator with the inner end of the coil spring being telescoped over and secured to a stud rigid with the rear face of the club head, said club head having a recess surrounding the stud telescopically receiving the outer periphery of the innermost convolutions of the spring.
 5. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein the entire length of the indicator is in the form of a coil spring.
 6. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein the innermost segment of the indicator is in the form of a coil spring and the outermost segment of the indicator is in the form of a rigid rod having a reduced end portion telescoped into and rigidly secured to the end of the coil spring remote from the club head. 